The Comic Press (TCP), published by Russell Condello in Rochester, New York, was an offset printed fanzine that ran 3 issues. Indicia indicates this run is volume 2, but not sure about volume 1. The premiere issue has several contributors, including amateur and professional comic book talent of the period. Contributors include Pete Botsis, Ted Botsis, Mercy Van Vlack, Jim Garrison, Kevin Cook, John D. Hemmings, Chuck Melville, David Heath, Jr., Jim Rohn, Joe Staton, Tom Condello, Val Meyerick, Craig Russell, Rod Snyder, Michael Gustovich, Jim Main, and Ed Oldfield. There are some illustrations supplied by professionals in the industry. In the ’70s professionals would make sketches for fans free of charge, especially if they published a fanzine. In later years everything became monetized, and now many even charge for just an autograph.

The front cover is an illustration of Conan in a chariot by Pete & Ted Botsis. The inside front cover is a drawing of Tarzan by Jim Rohn. The interior has an editorial from Condello, a short story by Kevin Cook, ads for other comic fanzines, a review column with information on other fanzines, a word search puzzle, an article on the origins of the Green Arrow and Speedy by John Hemmings, an article on the Creeper and Steve Ditko by Jim Main, a report on the 1974 New York Comic Convention. The inside back cover is an illustration of Swamp Thing by Ed Oldfield, and the back cover is a drawing of the Vision walking through a wall by Pete & Ted Botsis. The zine was printed with an offset press at 5.5 x 8.5, black ink on white paper with saddle stitch binding. Cover price is 75¢, Fall 1974 issue date, 32 pages including front and back covers.

plus-circle Add Review

comment

Reviews